Pit Bull and Vaccination Rules Revised
Pit bull ownership restrictions and pet vaccinations are among the changes in Wichita’s new animal control ordinance that took effect July 1.
The changes were approved by the Wichita City Council March10 and address numerous issues.
The revisions include:
1) Pit bull ownership is restricted to no more than two dogs unless grandfathered by a current Wichita Animal Maintenance Permit (AMP) issued prior to July 1. All pit bull dogs must be surgically sterilized within six months; each pit bull must also be micro-chipped for identification purposes and have that information recorded with the City’s Licensing Office within six months or by January 1, 2010. The changes are designed to reduce the incidence of pit bull euthanasia, as well the number of unwanted animals running at large. Micro-chipping increases the City’s ability to return strays to their owners and sterilization reduces the desire in pets to run at large.
2) The City now recognizes both one and three year rabies vaccines. Veterinarians will recommend to their clients whether a one-year or three-year vaccination is appropriate for individual cats and dogs. The changes allow more flexibility for pet owners and veterinarians when maintaining the health of their pets. Annual dog owner licenses will still be required by the City. To obtain the required annual City dog owners license, the owner must provide a certificate from a veterinarian that confirms the dog has a valid and current rabies vaccination.
3) The ordinance revision also addresses the numbers and types of animals allowed in the City. Animal maintenance permits (AMPs) may be required if an owner has more than two of the same type of animal or harbors more than three species of allowable animals. The previous Animal Maintenance fee of $20 has also been increased to $25 or $100, depending on the type of animal owned. Animals classified as livestock will incur the higher fee and must be provided at least one acre of living space under the new code.
Other important revisions address animal nuisances, dog breeders, commercial animal establishments, and new off leash dog park regulations to accommodate pending dog parks being planned for the City.
The new code provisions are included in Chapter 6.04 Animal Control and Protection of the Wichita Municipal Code and may be accessed at www.wichita.gov by clicking “municipal code” under the section “Courts/Public Safety.” Environmental Services staff members at 268-8351 and 268-8378 can provide additional information. The Environmental Services Department Animal Services and Shelter website, also at www.wichita.gov, will list the updated information after July 6.
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